Bangladesh–India relations 2025

Bangladesh–India relations 2025

India–Bangladesh Bilateral Relations (Defined in English):

The formal diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh began in 1971, when India recognized the newly independent Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) and supported its liberation during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Despite some unresolved issues, the relationship has largely been cooperative.

Both countries are members of regional and international organizations like SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, and the Commonwealth, and share strong cultural ties—especially between Bangladesh and the Bengali-speaking Indian states of West Bengal and Tripura.

In 2015, a historic Land Boundary Agreement was signed to resolve long-standing border disputes. However, issues like water-sharing of common rivers remain contentious.

In recent years, anti-India sentiment has grown in Bangladesh, driven by:

Indian government policies perceived as anti-Muslim and anti-Bangladeshi (e.g., Citizenship Amendment Act).
Killings of Bangladeshis by India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
Alleged Indian interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
India’s strong support of PM Sheikh Hasina, whose government faces criticism over authoritarianism and corruption.

Significant developments since Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2015 and Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in 2017 include:

Settlement of land and maritime boundaries.
Agreements on cybersecurity, IT, space, nuclear energy, and trade.
Bilateral trade rising to over $10.4 billion in FY 2018–19.
India supporting major infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.

Historical context:
India and Bangladesh share a deep civilizational and cultural connection, rooted in Bengal’s shared history under British colonial rule. Both countries were part of British India, and famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthems of both nations.

After Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, relations with India were strong. However, from the mid-1970s, ties weakened due to Bangladesh’s increasing alignment with Islamic nations and a shift in its national identity. Relations improved again in the 1990s with economic liberalization, and a major breakthrough came with the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty (1996).

Today, India and Bangladesh cooperate on counter-terrorism, regional security, and trade, and remain close partners in South Asia despite occasional tensions.

Pre-21st Century India–Bangladesh Relations (Defined in English)

The relationship between modern-day India and Bangladesh is deeply rooted in shared civilizational, cultural, social, and economic ties, especially from their common Bengal heritage. Both countries share a passion for music, literature, and the arts, and they speak the Bengali language in many regions.

Colonial and Pre-Independence History:

Both India and Bangladesh were part of the British Empire (British Raj).
Bengal was the first major region colonized by the British.
The capital of British India was located in Calcutta (now Kolkata) until 1911.
Rabindranath Tagore, a famous Bengali poet, composed the national anthems of both countries.

Path to Bangladesh’s Formation:

In 1905, Bengal was first partitioned by the British, laying early groundwork for Bangladesh.
The partition was reversed in 1911, but Bengal's political influence weakened when the capital was moved to Delhi.
During the 1947 partition of British India, Bengal was split along religious lines:
- East Bengal went to Pakistan (as East Pakistan).
- West Bengal remained with India.
In 1971, East Pakistan became independent Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War, with India’s military and political support.
- This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where India supported Bangladesh’s independence.

Post-Independence Tensions:

In the mid-1970s, Bangladesh moved closer to Muslim-majority countries and emphasized Islamic identity, which created distance from India.
In the 1980s, both countries aligned with different blocs during the Cold War, further straining relations.

Improvement in Relations:

With economic liberalization in South Asia in the 1990s, India and Bangladesh reengaged economically and politically.
A major breakthrough came in 1996 with the signing of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty.
Since then, both nations have become strategic partners, especially in counter-terrorism and trade, and are among each other’s top trading partners in South Asia.

India–Bangladesh Relations (2009–2024) under Sheikh Hasina

During Sheikh Hasina's time as Prime Minister of Bangladesh (2009–2024), the bilateral relationship with India reached its strongest and most cooperative phase.

Key Developments and Achievements:

1. Border Agreement (2011):

A major agreement resolved decades-old border disputes, known as the Tin Bigha Corridor deal.
India allowed 24-hour access to Bangladeshi citizens through this corridor.
The agreement involved the exchange of enclaves (small pockets of land), affecting over 51,000 people and covering 24,000 acres of land.

2. Joint Military Exercise (2011):

The armies of both countries held a 14-day joint exercise in Sylhet, Bangladesh, to build military cooperation (Sampriti-II).

3. Transit and Energy Cooperation (2012–2015):

Bangladesh allowed Indian heavy equipment and cargo to pass through its territory to Tripura (India).
India began exporting 500 MW electricity daily to Bangladesh through a new transmission line.
Both countries started a joint project: the 1,320-MW Rampal coal power plant.

4. Strengthening Ties under Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj (2014):

Multiple new agreements:
- Relaxed visa rules (5-year visas for children and elderly).
- Proposal for a special economic zone in Bangladesh.
- 100 MW more power from Tripura to Bangladesh.
- Bus services between Dhaka, Guwahati, and Shillong.
- Transit access for India to send food and grains through Bangladesh to Northeast India.

5. Landmark Land Boundary Agreement (2015):

On 7 May 2015, India passed a constitutional amendment to ratify the Land Boundary Agreement, resolving 68 years of border disputes since the British colonial period.
On 31 July 2015, both nations exchanged 162 enclaves, and 50,000 people gained citizenship of either India or Bangladesh.

6. Modi’s Visit and Major Investments (2015):

Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh and signed 22 agreements.
India offered a $2 billion line of credit and pledged $5 billion in investments.
Reliance Power committed $3 billion for a 3,000 MW gas-based power plant (largest foreign investment in Bangladesh).
Adani Power invested $1.5 billion for a 1,600 MW coal plant.

7. Cross-border Infrastructure and Energy Links:

In 2018, a 130 km-long Friendship Pipeline was inaugurated to supply diesel to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh approved an agreement allowing India to use Chittagong and Mongla ports to transport goods to its landlocked Northeast states.

Conclusion:

Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, India–Bangladesh relations flourished with major progress in border resolution, trade, energy cooperation, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. Despite some political tensions, this period is seen as a golden era of bilateral cooperation.

🇮🇳🤝🇧🇩 India–Bangladesh Relations After Sheikh Hasina (2024–Present)

Following the departure of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, a new chapter began in the India–Bangladesh relationship, under the Interim Government of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

🔄 Transition Period and Early Challenges

August 2024 floods in Bangladesh strained ties with India.
Despite this, Indian PM Narendra Modi was one of the first leaders to congratulate Muhammad Yunus on his appointment.
Initial diplomatic engagement helped ease tensions by December 2024.

🤝 Key Diplomatic Developments

✅ December 2024: Rebuilding Diplomatic Trust

Indian Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh, met Muhammad Yunus.
Discussions emphasized joint efforts, deeper engagement, and concerns over attacks on cultural and religious sites.
Yunus described relations with India as "very solid".

✅ December 25, 2024: Statement from Indian High Commissioner

Pranay Verma expressed hope in bilateral growth.
Called for a democratic, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh.
Emphasized mutual progress and prosperity.

🪖 Military and Strategic Outlook

✅ January 1, 2025: Bangladesh Army Chief’s Remarks

General Waker-Uz-Zaman highlighted:
- Importance of a balanced, respectful partnership.
- India's role in trade, jobs, and healthcare.
- Need for fairness and non-domination.
- Security cooperation should respect mutual interests.

🌐 Foreign Policy Perspective

On the same day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain:
- Stated that ties with India are a priority.
- Mentioned that the relationship should not depend on any single issue.

🤝 April 4, 2025: High-Level Meeting at BIMSTEC Summit

Muhammad Yunus and Narendra Modi met at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
Topics discussed:
- Extradition of Sheikh Hasina
- Border killings
- Ganges and Teesta river water-sharing
- Treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh
- Provocative statements from both sides
Described as "constructive, productive, and fruitful" by Yunus' Press Secretary.
Yunus gifted Modi a photo from the 2015 Indian Science Congress, where Modi had honoured him.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) welcomed the meeting, calling it a "ray of hope".

✅ Summary:

Since 2024, India–Bangladesh relations have been reset under new leadership, showing signs of constructive diplomacy, mutual respect, and cautious optimism. Both sides are working to rebuild trust while addressing sensitive issues like border security, water sharing, and minority rights.